The 2006–07 Carolina Hurricanes season began as the defending Stanley Cup champions started to defend their title. The Hurricanes didn't make any huge changes to their roster, hoping that their lineup would be enough to get them a repeat as league champions. However, due to many factors, including a shortened offseason due to last season's Stanley Cup run, injuries and disappointing performances from the team's young stars (including Eric Staal and Cam Ward), the team failed to qualify for the post-season becoming the first team since the 1995-96 New Jersey Devils to miss the playoffs after winning the cup the previous year.